Comparison of the efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin 10 mg and atorvastatin 20 mg in high-risk patients with hypercholesterolemia – Prospective study to evaluate the Use of Low doses of the Statins Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin

BackgroundMany patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease do not achieve recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-C goals. This study compared the efficacy and safety of low doses of rosuvastatin 10 mg and atorvastatin 20 mg in high-risk patients with hypercholesterolemia.

MethodsA total of 996 patients with hypercholesterolemia LDL-C ≥ 3.4 and < 5.7 mmol-L 130 and 220 mg-dL and coronary heart disease CHD, atherosclerosis, or a CHD-risk equivalent were randomized to once-daily rosuvastatin 10 mg or atorvastatin 20 mg. The primary endpoint was the percentage change from baseline in LDL-C levels at 6 weeks. Secondary endpoints included LDL-C goal achievement National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III NCEP ATP III goal < 100 mg-dL; 2003 European goal < 2.5 mmol-L for patients with atherosclerotic disease, type 2 diabetes, or at high risk of cardiovascular events, as assessed by a Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation SCORE risk ≥ 5% or 3.0 mmol-L for all other patients, changes in other lipids and lipoproteins, cost-effectiveness, and safety.